Substructure Pseudo-Dynamic Tests on Seismic Response Control of Soft-First-Story Buildings

Abstract

Soft-first-story structures, such as piloti buildings, are known as vulnerable structures against earthquakes. In this chapter, a simple scheme for reducing the structural damage of such buildings is proposed. Its effectiveness is experimentally examined through substructure pseudo-dynamic tests. In the proposed method, low yield strength steel devices are applied as elasto-plastic dampers at the first story of the buildings to reduce the seismic response and damage. A six-story single-span piloti model, with or without steel dampers, are the subject of the test. The behavior of the two exterior columns at the first story and the steel damper are tested. The substructure pseudo-dynamic tests are successfully performed to investigate the elasto-plastic behavior of the damper and the reinforced concrete columns at the soft-first-story, as well as the overall structural performance. The experimental results show that the seismic damage of piloti buildings can be reduced with steel dampers, which have been found to work as effectively as expected.